LIFE IN SPACE Let’s get real.
Deadly rays, total vacuum, no pizza delivery … will you survive living in space? This summer, explore the science of how life—human or extraterrestrial—might breathe, eat, and, just maybe, stay alive in the extreme conditions beyond Earth.
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EXPLORATORIUM.EDU/SPACE | PIER 15, SF
11 SEPT 13
Celebrate Summer at Cavallo Point Lodge
Discover an extraordinary retreat, right in your own backyard. Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in a national park setting, the MICHELIN Two-Key awarded Cavallo Point offers an unparalleled escape from the everyday, without the journey.
Outdoor Adventures
Whether you’re hitting the trails on foot or exploring by bike, Cavallo Point puts some of the Bay Area’s best terrain right outside your door. With 350+ acres of paths within America’s most popular National Park, plus complimentary vintage e-bikes for guests to cruise around the lodge or into Sausalito, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and about.
Cooking School
Recently recognized by The MICHELIN Guide as “one of the most unique hotel experiences in North America,” Cavallo Point’s award-winning Cooking School offers a dynamic roster of hands-on and demonstration classes flavored by the local organic bounty.
Summer Nights at Farley
Enjoy an array of seasonal cocktails, local microbrews, small production wine selections, alcohol-free beverages, and seasonal bites in Farley’s gastropub-style setting. Take a seat in the comfortable dining area, at the bar, or out on the terrace with sweeping views of the bay, the city, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Guided History Tours
Cavallo Point is situated in historic Fort Baker, and many of the buildings were constructed in the early 1900s to provide housing for enlisted men, officers, and their families. Take a step back in time with the lodge’s resident historian as you’re led on an enlightening walk around the historic property.
Locals Save!
15% off + $150 Resort Credit
Pets Welcome
At Cavallo Point, every member of your family is important, including furry friends. Enjoy the Eco Luxe Pups program, which provides all the comforts of home during your overnight stay—including luxurious bedding, custom food & water bowls, and a bag full of local treats.
A Season of Events
There’s no better vantage point for a summer of celebration than from the foot of the Golden Gate. From our Summer Kick-Off Party and Father’s Day BBQ to the thrilling annual Talons event, a special 4th of July honoring America’s 250th birthday, and Fleet Week festivities as the season winds down, Cavallo Point is the place to gather all summer long.
WELCOME
LET’S GO!
We are thrilled to share our favorite Northern California adventures with you in our Local Getaways Summer Guide. As publisher Nikki C. Wood says, “Summer in Northern California isn’t just a season — it’s an experience layered with beauty, discovery and a sense of timeless escape.” Love history? We’ve curated our favorite “grand dame” hotels on page 14. These storied properties are destinations in and of themselves, offering a perfect starting point for exploring the region. Looking for a family adventure with a bit of an education? Street Smarts on page 26 offers bucket list destinations every Californian will love. We share the best foodie stops throughout the Bay, iconic movie locations to explore and showcase the jewel of West Marin – Point Reyes. Our six-page calendar includes the must-see, mustdos throughout the region, from the big events, like Outside Lands, FIFA Watch Parties, SF Pride and America’s 250th birthday on the July 4. Or catch a baseball game with Oakland’s new team The Ballers, Thursday night After Dark events at the Exploratorium, historical train rides in Tuolumne and The World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica. Speaking of dogs, we fill you in on how to bring your pooch along for the ride with dog-friendly destinations. Find a lot more content on our website localgetaways.com Here’s to a summer of exploration, indulgence and unforgettable escapes.
THE TEAM AT LOCAL GETAWAYS
We asked our founders to share their favorite summer adventures:
SUMMER GUIDE BAY AREA
Brought to you by Local Getaways
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mimi Towle
DIGITAL EDITOR
Jessica Gliddon
DIGITAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Emma Robertson
MANAGING EDITOR
Ashley Bess Lane
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeanne Cooper, Spud Hilton
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Avery Peterson Art
ART DIRECTOR Liz Marken Fiorentino
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Alex French COVER
Bryan McDonald
GROUP PUBLISHER
Nikki C. Wood
MEDIA DIRECTOR
Lesley Cesare
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Sharon Coleman, Karen Fraser, Michele Kuhns
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Brittany Casciotti
ADVERTISING ART MANAGER
Alex French
ADVERTISING AND CREATIVE
COORDINATOR
Hayley Swanson
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Helena Grant
Administration
PRESIDENT / OPERATIONS
Nikki N. Wood
CONTROLLER
Maeve Walsh
CA 94965
Bikers on Rodeo Beach, Marin County
Nikki C. Wood Canoeing the Russian River.
Mimi Towle Finding the best Dim Sum.
Nikki N. Wood Roadtripping to the Mendocino Coast.
SUMMER PICKS
Get away to Tuolumne County, where Yosemite, Gold Country, and the High Sierra offer a quieter kind of luxury. Explore historic towns, scenic mountain roads, and wide-open spaces that invite you to slow down and recharge. Close enough for an easy getaway, yet far enough to leave the noise behind and spend some time. There’s always more to explore—plan to stay an extra day.
Photo credit: Firefall Ranch/Alpenglow Productions
Explore Everywhere
Field Notes
Culinary destinations, movie magic and Bay Area Grand Dame hotels not to miss.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville
Travel the Movie Trail
Explore the many Northern California sites used as backdrops to some of Hollywood’s most notable films.
NORTH BAY
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
Jim and Ken Wheat (1985)
San Rafael
Lucasfilm’s very own Skywalker Ranch served as one of the filming spots — all of which were on location in Northern California.
Dirty Harry
Don Siegel (1971)
Larkspur
The Corte Madera Creek railway bridge was where Harry launched himself onto a school bus, and the final showdown was later shot at the Hutchinson Rock Quarry.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Steven Spielberg (1984)
Novato
The decommissioned Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato was the backdrop for the movie’s opening cargo base scene. Some shots were also filmed in Fairfax, and the final scenes were set in the hills of Nicasio.
SONOMA COUNTY
The Birds
Alfred Hitchcock (1963)
Bodega Bay
Scenes in this Hitchcock classic that included the boat dock and restaurant were filmed in and around The Tides Wharf & Restaurant.
SOUTH BAY
Harold and Maude
Hal Ashby (1971)
Palo Alto
This cult classic’s two main characters first meet at a funeral, filmed in what is actually the oldest church in Palo Alto, St. Thomas Aquinas (built in the early 1900s and now a registered historic landmark).
MONTEREY
COUNTY
Basic Instinct
Paul Verhoeven (1992)
Carmel
Seacliff, a sprawling estate situated in the Carmel Highlands, was the backdrop for Sharon Stone’s house. Fun fact: the property was listed last year at $91 million.
SAN FRANCISCO
Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock (1958)
Multiple Locations
Scottie’s house was situated on 900 Lombard Street; the Empire Hotel was filmed at what was once known as the Hotel York (now Hotel Julian); and Ransohoff's fashion store was filmed at 259 Post Street.
Milk
Gus Van Sant (2008)
Multiple Locations
Nearly all outdoor scenes were shot at the real-life locations, including Harvey Milk Plaza, where the prominent politician and LGBTQ activist (portrayed by Sean Penn in the movie) held his first rally for gay rights.
EAST BAY
Mrs. Doubtfire
Chris Columbus (1993)
Oakland
The comical scene where Robin Williams throws fruit at Pierce Brosnan’s head was filmed by the pool at the Claremont Hotel and Spa.
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan (2023) Berkeley
Christopher Nolan filmed several scenes in and around the UC Berkeley campus, such as Edwards Stadium (University of Chicago’s Stagg Field Stadium in the movie) and the archway into Cal’s Faculty Glade.
Indiana Jones
Dirty Harry
Milk
Harold and Maude
Oppenheimer
Taste of the Bay
Iconic Bay Area Food and Drink
BY EMMA ROBERTSON
If you’re coming to the Bay Area, you better come hungry. The foodie scene is widely recognized as one of the best in the country, with everything from longstanding family-owned spots to Michelin-starred cuisine (San Francisco even holds the status as the second most Michelin-starred region in the US next to New York City).
TASTE OF NAPA
The Meritage Resort and Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa Hosted annually, Taste of Napa is a chance to enjoy fare from more than 90 vendors including breweries, wineries, restaurants and culinary artisans. Plus, there's live music, games and more. This year's festival is on July 11.
THE CHEESE TRAIL
Various Locations Cheese lovers, rejoice! The Bay Area is home to many dairy farms and creameries, and the Cheese Trail can help you plot your journey. Use the digital or printed version of the map, and reference the cheese directory, all available on cheesetrail.org.
GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
900 North Point Street
A trip to Ghirardelli Square merges confectionery indulgence with history. Head to Ghiradelli’s Chocolate Shop to purchase some of the brand’s iconic chocolate, and explore the many restaurants and retail shops. And don’t forget to take in the surrounding history, such as the 19-foot letter ‘G.’
LA TAQUERIA
2889 Mission Street
While the burrito does have roots in Mexico, one well-known variety is the Mission burrito, named for its origin in San Francisco’s Mission District. This variety is characterized by the size, foil wrapping, flour tortilla, and fillings like guacamole, crema and cheese. While there are many other beloved taquerias nearby, La Taqueria is a landmark for a Mission burrito.
BOUDIN BAKERY
Various Locations Boudin opened its doors a year after the California Gold Rush began and now holds the title as San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating business. The dough is made from the same starter used when the business opened over 170 years ago, and produces bread with a particularly tangy profile.
GOLDEN GATE FORTUNE COOKIE FACTORY
56 Ross Alley
This factory was established in 1962 and still produces up to 10,000 cookies a day. Watch the process of how each cookie is made, and even taste one hot off the press; you might even get to write your own fortune.
JELLY BELLY FACTORY
1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield
Get the inside scoop on how this classic sweet is created; the self-guided tour gives you an aerial view of the factory, while the guided one brings you through it. Be sure to also stop by the Jelly Belly Café for lunch and browse the Jelly Bean Art Gallery.
Taste of Napa
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The San Francisco Bay's most extraordinary venue. Sunset engagements, waterfront ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and everything in between.
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Grand Dames of the Bay Area and Beyond
Northern California’s earliest hotels were fit for royalty; experience their grandeur with a stay at one of the region's grand dames.
BY MIMI TOWLE AND JESSICA GLIDDON
Echoes of the Gold Rush glory days live on in Northern California’s historic hotels; many were built to rival Europe’s palatial accommodations. These iconic properties reflect the best of the gilded styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and showcase the state’s varied history.
The depository of much of the wealth flowing from the gold fields in the mid-to-late 1800s, San Francisco became the hub of Northern California’s riches, and from this sprang grand institutions like the Palace Hotel, the largest and most luxurious hotel of its time. Closer to Sutter’s Mill, the National Exchange Hotel was built in Nevada City, resplendent with grandeur and housing luminaries from Mark Twain to Ulysses S Grant. Into the 20th Century and beyond, grand hotels sprang up from the Bay Area to as far away as Yosemite to attract travelers to California’s splendor.
Experience this unique history for yourself with a visit to one or all of our favorite grand dames of Northern California.
Palace Hotel
Year Built: 1875, rebuilt in 1909
Location: Downtown San Francisco Rooms: 556
Outstanding Architectural Features: The glass-domed Garden Court lies at the heart of the hotel, decorated with chandeliers made of Austrian crystal that weigh 750 pounds each. The atrium is also crowned with more than 70,000 panes of stained glass.
Legendary Lore: The hotel was witness to many notable events, including when Woodrow Wilson held luncheons in support of the Versailles Treaty to end World War I. President Franklin D. Roosevelt also held the official
banquet honoring the opening session of the United Nations here.
Ghosts? King David Kalākaua of Hawaii died here in 1891; his two thrones sit in the hotel’s lobby and apparently he has been spotted walking around the upper floors wearing his formal attire.
Famous Guests: Oscar Wilde held lectures here and Mark Twain worked across the street and was known to enjoy numerous lunches in the Pied Piper bar.
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Order a salad with Green Goddess dressing and give a toast to former Chef Phillip Roemer who invented this famous condiment in 1923.
Fairmont San Francisc o
Year Built: 1906
Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco Rooms: 606
Outstanding Architectural Features: Built in a Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical style with a grand lobby and ballroom designed to evoke the great European palace hotels.
Legendary Lore: While early discussions that would shape the United Nations Charter took place beneath the redwoods of nearby Muir Woods in 1945, the document itself was drafted within the hotel — cementing its place in global history.
Ghosts? The Fairmont was built by silver mine heiresses Theresa “Tessie” Fair Oelrichs and Virginia “Birdie” Fair Vanderbilt as a tribute to their father, James Graham. The sisters are now said to haunt the hotel, roaming the halls and sometimes softly caressing guests while they sleep.
Famous Guests: Known as “The White House of the West,” the property has hosted many US Presidents, global dignitaries and royalty. And of course, Tony Bennett famously sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco in the Venetian Room on the property.
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property ? Walk the hotel’s storied halls, where history lingers in every detail and photos of the founding family can be seen. Then make your way to the legendary Tonga Room for a classic Mai Tai beside the indoor lagoon.
Palace Hotel
Fairmont San Francisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Year Built: 1926
Location: Nob Hill
Rooms: 380
Outstanding Architectural Features:
This Jazz Age landmark of the Roaring Twenties features a French château–inspired style.
Legendary Lore: Soldiers would buy a bottle of whiskey and leave some behind for returning soldiers at the penthouselevel bar, Top of the Mark.
Ghosts? The most cited story involves a mysterious woman (often described as a war widow) seen pacing in a restricted courtyard.
Famous Guests: Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, De Gaulle, Khrushchev
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Have a shot of whiskey (or soda) at the Top of the Mark and salute our soldiers.
Beacon Grand (Sir Francis Drake)
Year Built: 1928
Location: Union Square
Rooms: 416
Outstanding Architectural Features:
This Renaissance Revival building was designed by architecture firm Weeks and Day, who also designed the Huntington Hotel a few blocks away.
Legendary Lore: Originally one of the tallest skyscraper hotels in San Francisco, it was seen as a symbol of Jazz Age optimism, built just before the 1929 crash. Part of Allen Ginsberg’s famous poem Howl was supposedly inspired by the hotel.
Ghosts? Many, tied to Depression-era suicides. There are accounts of apparitions in hallways, voices and moving curtains.
Famous Guests: Marilyn Monroe, Mae West
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Head up to the Starlite Room, and sip a martini (or soda) and take in the same skyline that has captivated artists, dreamers, and drifters since the 1920s.
Casa Madrona
Year Built: 1885
Location: Sausalito
Rooms: 63
Outstanding Architectural Features:
Reported to be one of the finest examples of historic Italianate architecture in California, with terraced gardens, arched colonnades and panoramic views that sweep across Richardson Bay to the San Francisco skyline.
Legendary Lore: The Barrett family built their dream home in 1885, inspired by the gorgeous villas of Italy’s renowned Tuscan countryside, and named it Casa Madrona. The family lived there until 1906, when San Francisco attorney John W. Coleman took over the property and turned it into a hotel. Ghosts? Nothing official.
Famous Guests: Dick Van Dyke, Carol Burnett, Warren Beatty, Pink Floyd
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Get out your journal, sit on one of the decks facing the Bay and channel all of the writers who came before you, staring at San Francisco in the distance for inspiration.
Cavallo Point
Year Built: Military buildings are circa 1900-1915
Location: Sausalito Rooms: 142
Outstanding Architectural Features:
The stately Colonial Revival style reflects the Endicott Period (named for Secretary of War William Crowninshield Endicott) of improving military recruitment and retention by providing officers and their families comfortable living quarters.
Legendary Lore: The 12-acre Parade Grounds in the center of the property, has had many uses. One base commander installed a horse jumping course there on the Parade Grounds, while another created a nine-hole golf course with a club house.
Ghosts? There have been sightings of uniformed figures wandering the property.
Famous Guests: The property has hosted countless celebrities and international dignitaries over the years, from Bill Clinton to Jane Goodall.
COURTESY OF CASA MADRONA; BOTTOM: KODIAK GREENWOOD
Beacon Grand Casa Madrona
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Take a free history tour with historian-ambassador Brit Thurston to see original features of the property such as the beautifully restored 111-year-old historic bowling alley, built in 1915, and one of the oldest in the United States.
Claremont Resort & Club
Year Built: 1915
Location: Berkeley
Rooms: Approx. 276–279 rooms (varies by count/renovations)
Outstanding Architectural Features: Known as the white castle in the hills with its striking tower rising above the remainder of the Tudor Revival style property.
Legendary Lore: During Prohibition, the hotel found itself just inside a “dry zone” tied to UC Berkeley — until a clever discovery proved it sat just far enough away to serve liquor, ushering in a more spirited era.
Ghosts? A child spirit named Elizabeth is said to wander the halls.
Famous Guests: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie (performed), Frank Lloyd Wright, Michelle Obama, Brad Pitt One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? Be sure to catch the weekly walking tour to learn about the various iterations of the property, the tour heats up in October where you may or may not encounter some friendly spirits.
National Exchange Hotel
Year Built: 1856 (rebuilt/reopened 1864)
Location: Nevada City
Rooms: Approx. 38 rooms
Outstanding Architectural Features: Victorian aesthetics mixed with a grand interior featuring rich colors and patterns.
Legendary Lore: Due to Gold Rush advances in mining, gas and electricity, the companies that would become PG&E were founded here. And for Cal fans, it was within these walls in 1853 that Professor Henry Durant hatched a plan for the University of California, Berkeley. Ghosts? This is one of California’s most haunted spots, famous for its Gold Rushera spirits. People have talked about having seen a girl dressed in Victorian era clothes riding a tricycle, jumping
rope and chasing a ball through the halls.
Famous Guests: Mark Twain, Herbert Hoover, President Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? The storied restaurant is named for Lola Muntoz, a true pioneer, who did not adhere to social norms. In her honor, cozy up to the bar and order your favorite drink to toast the characters of California history.
The Ahwahnee
Year Built: 1927
Location: Yosemite National Park
Rooms: 123
Outstanding Architectural Features:
An example of National Park Rustic architecture, the hotel was made to look like it was made out of wood, but it is actually mostly made of steel, granite and concrete to make it fire resistant. The style blends Art Deco, Native American and Arts and Crafts, and its most impressive room is the grand great lounge, with its soaring ceilings and massive fireplace.
Legendary Lore: During World War II the Navy used the hotel as a convalescent hospital. The hotel inspired the design of the interior of the hotel The Shining Ghosts? The ghosts of Donald and Mary Curry Tresidder who were involved with its building are said to haunt the hotel; apparently JFK is said to still sit in a rocking chair he requested when he was a guest there.
Famous Guests: Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, FDR, JFK, Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Walt Disney and Steve Jobs (who got married here)
One way to truly connect with the soul of the property? The hotel’s famed Bracebridge Dinner takes place around Christmas, a tradition since 1927 that transforms the grand dining hall into a 17th Century English manor, complete with a seven course Christmas dinner (Ansel Adams was once the host).
The Ahwahnee
National Exchange Hotel
9
3
16
Tuesday Night Comedy (Mill Valley) Every Tuesday, at 142 Throckmorton
Source of Pride!
San Francisco Pride began in 1970, when a small group marched down Polk Street for "Christopher Street Liberation Day" and gathered for a picnic in Golden Gate Park. From those grassroots beginnings, it grew through pivotal Bay Area moments: the 1978 assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, the AIDS epidemic and decades of hard-won
civil rights milestones. “Today,” says Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of SF Pride, “it is the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the nation, drawing over one million people each June.”
Month-Long Celebration
With community-driven events — like the Trans March (June 26), the People's March (June 27), and the Dyke March (June 27) — alongside SF Pride's world-famous
Parade (June 28) and Celebration (June 27 and June 28), there is something for people of every age, identity and background to enjoy.
The Parade
The Parade rolls down Market Street on Sunday, June 28, starting at 10:30am from the Embarcadero starting with Dykes on Bikes who traditionally open the Parade with a roar, setting the tone for everything that follows.
“This year,” says Ford, “the best seat in the house just got better! The Grandstand seating
Yo-Yo Ma with the San Francisco Symphony (San Francisco)
Valkyries vs. Mercury (San Francisco) Women’s basketball at the Chase Center
The Dipsea (Stinson Beach) The oldest foot race this side of the Mississippi
SF Pride Parade (San Francisco)
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Who’s Live Anyway (San Ramon) June 8 & 11, current cast members of TV Show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are on tour
SubZERO - Festival (San Jose) June 5-6, hi-lo techno mashup where street meets geek
Ain’t Too Proud: Temptations (Sonoma) June 12–14, 18–21 and 25–28, at the Transcendance Theater
FoodieLand Night market (San Jose) June 26–28, this national tour is in San Jose for three nights
area offers something no sidewalk can: seated, unobstructed views, hosted by the legendary Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.”
Join the Fun!
Organizations, businesses, community groups and individuals are all welcome to march. Register your contingent at sfpride. org/register, or join as an individual through the Resistance Contingent.
Ready to go all in?
Grab a Pride Pass for full access to the complete Pride experience at Civic Center: multiple stages, live performances, community events and more. Visit sfpride.org to get your tickets, reserve your Grandstand seat, and join us June 27-28. “This is the year to be there,” confirms Ford.
Sherman Island Expression Session (Sacramento) Big air/freestyle contests
Bob Dylan (Berkeley) June 13–14, live at the Greek Theatre
LakeFest (Oakland) A full day of music, culture, food and community 5 6 25 26 11 12 13 20 27
Juneteeth
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Train Excursions (Tuolumne County) Saturdays and Sundays, April through October
The Bay Area is the place to celebrate Juneteenth, Black Independence day, the country’s youngest federal holiday, with deep roots in the African American community
SAN FRANCISCO: The Juneteenth SF Freedom Celebration features eight blocks of festival fun in the Fillmore District. Every second Saturday, the Museum of the African Diaspora collaborates with Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive City to offer free admission. (June 13)
EAST BAY: The Richmond Juneteenth Parade will be hosted at Nicholl Park this year; expect live music, food and more. (June 20) For nearly 40 years, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival covers a five-block corridor and includes two musical stages. (June 21)
NORTH BAY: For over 50 years, Sonoma has celebrated Juneteenth, with the Annual MLK / Juneteenth Community Festival, the ultimate block party at MLK Park with live music and children’s games. (June 13) The Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Mill Valley celebrates with live music, food and activities for all ages. (June 13)
SOUTH BAY: Get ready for a party at Juneteenth in the Streets, with professional musicians, vendors and tons of fellow celebrators. (June 13)
Jazz Festival (San Francisco) July 4–5
Pride & Joy (San Ramon) Summer Concerts in the Park
6 7
Mirthquake: Monday Live Comedy (San Francisco) The Abbey Tavern
Tuesday Night Comedy (Mill Valley) Every Tuesday, at 142 Throckmorton
Jazz Jam (San Francisco) Waystone
Come for the Music!
Ever since Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Country Joe & the Fish, and The Byrds electrified Mount Tamalpais at the first outdoor rock festival in the US, the Bay Area has been a go-to for live music. 1
Tuesday Night Markets (Sonoma) Sonoma Square
JUNE 12–14 COUNTRY SUMMER (Santa Rosa)
Northern California’s biggest country music festival with Nashville headliners and a relaxed wine country vibe.
JUNE 14–AUGUST 16 STERN GROVE FESTIVAL (San Francisco)
A historic free concert series (Sundays) in a redwood amphitheater featuring major artists across genres.
JULY 2–5 SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (Boonville)
A long-running reggae and global music gathering known for its laid-back Mendocino County setting.
JULY 17–19 MOSSWOOD MELTDOWN (Oakland)
A quirky, high-energy punk and indie festival celebrating underground music culture.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Santa Clara) At Levi's Stadium
Fillmore
Major League Cricket (Oakland) At the Oakland Coliseum
Trevor Noah (San Jose) July 26–28, at The Mountain Winery
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Marin County Fair (San Rafael) July 1–5
Dear San Francisco (San Francisco) Club Fugazi
Life in Space (San Francisco) July 11 through September 13, at the Exploratorium
Water Lantern Festival (San Jose) July 17–19
Happy B-day America!
Valley of the Moon Music Festival (Sonoma) July 11–26
Happy 250th Birthday USA
Celebrate Bastille Day (San Francisco)
San Francisco Marathon (San Francisco) July 25–26
30 31
Bill Burr (Saratoga) Mountain Winery
JULY 26 PETALUMA MUSIC FESTIVAL (Petaluma)
A one-day, community-driven festival supporting local schools with a mix of rock, funk, and indie acts.
AUGUST 7–9 OUTSIDE LANDS (San Francisco)
The Bay Area’s biggest multi-genre festival combining music, food, wine, and art in Golden Gate Park. 2 16
Celebrate Good Times Come on! Fireworks start around 9/9:30pm around the bay.
SF: FISHERMAN’S WHARF / PIER 39 / AQUATIC PARK
Best viewing: Pier 39 / Wharf (front row, crowded) Hyde Street Harbor, Marina Green Twin Peaks or Treasure Island (less crowded views) Sausalito (various Marin locations)
BERKELEY MARINA
Best viewing: Cesar Chavez Park Berkeley Pier / shoreline paths Marina lawns near Adventure Playground Spenger’s / DoubleTree area
MARIN COUNTY FAIR
Best viewing: Marin Civic Center
SONOMA GENERAL
VALLEJO’S FIELD
Best viewing: Sonoma Plaza
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Gravenstein Apple Fair (Sebastopol) August 8–9
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks (San Francisco) August 15–16, live at Chase Center
Redwood Forest Steam Train: Ride at Roaring Camp in Felton (Santa Cruz) Rides hosted daily 25 24 23
Tuesday Night Comedy (Mill Valley) Every Tuesday, at 142 Throckmorton
17 18 9 16 5 12 19 26
Free National Parks Day 31 30
Sausalito Landscape Festival (Sausalito) August 5–27 Juried exhibition of landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes
Joyce Lee (San Francisco) Golden Gate Park Bandshell
Filoli Summer Nights (Woodside) Every Wednesday and Thursday night through September
THURSDAY FRIDAY
After Dark (San Francisco)
Every Thursday, at the Exploratorium
Mamma Mia! (Sonoma) At the Transcendence Theatere, August 13-30
Outside Lands (San Francisco) August 7–9
SATURDAY
World Dog Surfing Championships (Pacifica)
In Northern California, aim high with Yosemite’s granite icons, Muir Wood’s redwood cathedral groves and Lassen Volcanic’s steaming hydrothermal trails. And/or dodge crowds with three gems: Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial near Concord, a powerful site tied to World War II and civil rights history. Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front in Richmond (great views and lunch options), and Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, a quiet Danville retreat for literature lovers. Check websites to confirm parks are open. 7 13 14 21 29 28 1 8 15 22 6
Friday Nights at OMCA (Oakland) Block party every Friday through October Moonlight Movies (Yountville) Every Friday through September
Karaoke Fridays at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort (Jamestown)
Sonoma County Fair (Santa Rosa) August 7–16
Aloha Fair (San Mateo)
Lobster Dinner (St. Helena) For wine, lobster and vineyard views
Tori Amos (Berkeley) Pokémon World Championships (San Francisco) August 28–30
Free National Parks Day
Point Reyes
EACH SUMMER, POINT REYES welcomes well over half a million visitors, drawn by its beaches, hiking trails, wildlife, kayaking, food scene and dramatic coastal views. To get your summer going we’ve created this map with a mini bucket list of activities and places to visit. Be sure to hit all of the beaches, designated here by red dots along the coastline — and bring a picnic MT
History Fun Facts
1
The Kule Loklo Trail is tied to the indigenous Coast Miwok history and culture. The Annual Big Time festival, a prominent Miwok cultural gathering featuring traditional dancing, crafts and education, happens in July.
2Historically complicated Sir Francis Drake is rumored to have landed at Drakes Bay in 1579 — near the mouth of Drakes Estero.
3
Built in 1870, the Point Reyes Lighthouse guided mariners along one of the foggiest, windiest stretches of the California coast. Today it’s a popular hike.
4
In 1913–1914, Guglielmo Marconi brought wireless communication to West Marin, building stations that helped send messages. Visit Marconi State Historic Park to learn more.
Don't Miss
1Point Reyes Station. This small town is the gateway to the region’s best flavors and adventures. Stop for oysters, artisan goods, mead tasting and that unmistakable West Marin slow-down feeling.
2 West Marin is famous for being the birthplace of The Cheese Trail. With so many local dairies, it's easy to make a day of it.
3
For a true coastal adventure, book a kayak or SUP tour with a group like Point Reyes Adventure Co. Its offerings include tours, classes, rentals and even bioluminescence paddles.
4
Heidrun Meadery of former-dairyfarm-turned-bee-friendly-oasis makes sparkling mead in Point Reyes Station using traditional méthode champenoise techniques.
Duxbury Point
Stinson Beach Bolinas
On the Move
A fun fact for geology nerds: Point Reyes National Seashore sits right on top of the San Andreas Fault, where the Pacific and North America Plates come together. The fault runs straight through Tomales Bay and is slowly traveling northwest, resulting in one of the most geographically distinct places.
Above right: Chimney Rock Trail
Above: Windswept trees
Right: Point Reyes Lighthouse
The Earthquake Trail
Street Smarts
Summer road trips create a memorable classroom for all things California. BY
JEANNE COOPER AND SPUD HILTON
Sure, every California fourth grader gets a hefty dose of mission-era history (not to mention model building) in school, but there’s nothing like a family road trip to convey the vast and varied wonders of the Golden State. Here are four teachable-moment destinations, each reachable in a day or less, with notable attractions nearby or en route.
DESTINATION: Pinnacles National Park
California’s mammoth size and location on a web of faults and plates that have a tendency to crash together have resulted in a host of geologic wonders and oddities. Among the most striking is Pinnacles National Park, a collection of rocky crags, canyons and spires that pops out of an otherwise serene landscape in the Gabilan Mountains east of Salinas. Pinnacles is an oversized textbook example of what happens when magma spills out of the Pinnacles Volcanic Field, hardens and is worn down by a few million years of ice, wind and rain. The 26,000-acre landscape is so forbidding there is no road that crosses the park. You have to pick the east or west entrance, 60 miles apart by car, each of which offers amazing views, shady forests and 30 miles of trails that wind among the eroded monoliths, lakes and caves. While the volcanic geography is the main attraction, Pinnacles is also a protected wildlife preserve where you can see all manner of California wildlife, including
the California condor, an otherworldly looking bird with a typical wingspan of more than nine feet. The east side, which includes camping sites, is accessible from Highway 25 about 30 miles south of Hollister. The west side is on Highway 146 east of the Salinas Valley town of Soledad. nps.gov/ pinn/index.htm
ENVIRONS and EN ROUTE
The history of Spanish-era California is heavily rooted in the missions, a string of settlements and Franciscan churches from San Diego to Sonoma meant to tame the largely unexplored state. Most missions suffered decay during the 1800s, although one of the best restored parishes is Mission San
Pinnacles National Park
Juan Bautista, just off Highway 101, about 15 miles south of Gilroy. You can explore the pastoral grounds, admire the valley views and the original Guadalupe Chapel, started in 1803 and rebuilt after damage from the 1906 earthquake. oldmissionsjb.org, 406 2nd Street, San Juan Bautista
Driving on to Gilroy, you can stop at Garlic World, the capital of the city’s aromatic reputation. Drop in at the sprawling family owned roadside stand for fruits and nuts, garlic-infused olive oils, pickled vegetables and cooking seasonings, and garlic that is pickled, powdered, dried and braided. garlicworld.com, 4800 Monterey Highway, Gilroy
DESTINATION:
The Petrified Forest, Calistoga Near flawless chardonnay-growing conditions were one result of the earth cracking open 3.4 million years ago and leaving the Napa Valley blanketed in volcanic ash, but that’s far from the most timeless effect. Back when the valley was still “an experimental wine region,” Swedish homesteader Charles Evans dug up what looked like ancient Roman columns in the hills west of Calistoga. The stone logs were oncemighty trees, blown down by the eruption seven miles away and then buried in silica ash. Over millennia, the ash seeped into the fallen logs and replaced their dead cells with minerals, leaving perfect fossils of a now-extinct variety of redwood.
These days, the Petrified Forest — often overlooked in this wine-centric region — features trails for exploring both forest and fossils, including the Queen, a stone redwood 65 feet long that was already 2,000 years old before the volcano blew. On site are a cozy cafe, a gift shop with all manner of geologic curiosities and a guesthouse, all operated by the family that developed the park 112 years ago. petrifiedforest.org, 4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga
ENVIRONS and EN ROUTE
The geothermal landscape that makes Napa Valley’s northern end a hot spot for hot mud and mineral baths is also prone to steamy outbursts at Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser of California, spewing super-heated water about every half hour.
After a fire in 2016, the owners expanded the attraction with a modern gift shop, a farm with llamas and goats, bocce courts and a kitchen where visitors can prepare picnic fare. oldfaithfulgeyser.com, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga
For a concentrated and quirky dive into more of the area’s geology, geography and history, visit Calistoga’s Sharpsteen Museum. Features include: a 30-foot diorama of the town circa 1860; a historical look at developer/huckster Sam Brannan, who founded Calistoga; and more information about Robert Louis Stevenson’s visit to the Petrified Forest (which in his book Silverado Squatters he called “a pure little isle of touristry among these solitary hills”). sharpsteenmuseum. org, 1311 Washington Street, Calistoga
The road up to the Petrified Forest leads past one of Wine Country’s best and least pretentious restaurants. Buster’s Southern BBQ in Calistoga is a monument to simple comfort food — ribs, tri-tip, chicken, fixings — where the chef is working the magic over a cooker in the parking lot. The meats are equally tasty as leftovers, so order more than you need. busterssouthernbbq. com, 1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga
DESTINATION: California Railroad Museum, Sacramento
You might assume the California Railroad Museum is geared toward avid “railfans,” the train buffs who can identify a vintage steam engine by its unique chugga-chugga.
But railroad history — the heritage, the culture, the fortunes — is so inextricably woven into the fabric of California that the sprawling complex in Old Sacramento is a warehouse of wonders for anyone even remotely interested in the state’s past, plus, really cool trains. Exhibits and brief documentary films explain the evolution of trains, as well as the stories of related places, progress and people, from Pullman-car porters to anything-butaltruistic railroad barons.
The museum’s strength is the multitude of locomotives — 19, dating from 1862 to 1944 — and rolling stock to explore, including the 1930s Santa Fe dining car that’s a stainless steel work of art. This summer will bring special events and exhibits to mark the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. californiarailroad.museum, 125 I Street, Sacramento
The Petrified Forest
The heritage, the culture, the fortunes— railroads shaped the fabric of California.
ENVIRONS
and EN ROUTE
If looking and learning aren’t enough, visitors can climb aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad, a 45-minute ride along the Sacramento River levee on a passengercar excursion train pulled by one of the museum’s vintage steam or diesel locomotives. Some cars are enclosed and some are open-sided; plan accordingly for Sacramento heat. Trains depart between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. through October from the Central Pacific Railroad passenger station, just outside the California Railroad Museum.
While Sacramento’s burgeoning DOCO (Downtown Commons) area is now home to the Sacramento Kings, one of the other standouts is Fizz Sacramento, a shrine to all things bubbly, with more than 100 Champagnes and sparkling wines from France, Italy, Spain and California. You can indulge in small bites, tastings and time in the private “Bubbles Room.” fizzinsac.com, 615 David J Stern Walk #105, Sacramento
The fabled Nut Tree restaurant, farms and air museum may be gone, but travelers can still get a taste of the beloved Vacaville roadside attraction that once drew 3 million visitors a year. In addition to the whimsical carousel and pint-size Nut Tree Railroad, the new Nut Tree next to
Interstate 80 also offers more than 20 spots to grab a bite. nuttreevacaville.com, East Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville
DESTINATION: Marconi State Historic Park, Marshall
For those raised on Snapchat, Skype and social media, the advent of radio is truly ancient history. Yet it was only 125 years ago that Guglielmo Marconi figured out how to send Morse code across a room without wires, then developed ship-toship and ship-to-shore communications using radio waves that eventually spanned the Atlantic. After winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909, Marconi created a U.S. commercial radio empire that included San Francisco’s first radio station. Trans-Pacific communication began in 1914, after he built receiving and transmitting stations in Marshall and Bolinas, respectively. Part of a compound later owned by RCA and the infamous Synanon organization, several Marconi-era buildings remain in Marshall, now within a tranquil state park and conference/ retreat center. There’s a small museum of radio equipment on site, and most visitors enjoy hiking trails across the 62 forested acres, especially to see Tomales Bay
from the hilltop where the antennae once stood. marconiconferencecenter.org, 18500 Highway 1, Marshall
ENVIRONS and EN ROUTE
San Francisco rebuilt so quickly after the earthquake and fire of 1906 that it can be hard to comprehend the temblor’s magnitude. For an eye-opener, walk the easy, half-mile Earthquake Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore to the Earthquake Fence: a row of pickets jolted 20 feet apart when the San Andreas Fault ruptured. Interpretive signs explain the tectonics and more. nps.gov/pore, Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station
Shine a light on seafaring history (and get your stair work in) by visiting Point Reyes Lighthouse. Built in 1870, the 35-foot-tall, 16-sided beacon boasts America’s only first-order Fresnel lens and brass clockwork mechanism still in their original place — 308 steps down the windy cliff. nps. gov/pore, At the end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness
Just five miles north of Marconi Conference Center, Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar showcases West Marin’s produce and seafood from a rustic perch on Tomales Bay. Adults may enjoy slurping down oysters the most, but there’s an ample kids’ menu, too, plus a long pier for leg-stretching. nickscove.com/restaurant, 23240 Highway 1, Marshall
Nick's Cove
Dog Days of Summer
IN THE NOT-SO-MUCH-BREAKING news category, a 2024 study on pet-friendly hotels found that demand for traveling with pets is rising worldwide. Paired with a 2025 study in Social Indicators Research, findings indicate that pet companionship has a positive, significant effect on life satisfaction, meaning not only are more people traveling with their pups (cats are adorable, but not as common of a travel companion), but the hotels and restaurants are putting out the red carpet.
Local Getaways offers a dog-friendly travel hub, featuring the best pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches and tasting rooms throughout Northern California.
Our editors have done the heavy lifting to research the best pet-forward lodging options, with amenities ranging from dog beds and bowls to trails, dog room service and play areas. Here are just a few of their picks.
MONTEREY
Carmel Valley Ranch
Coachman’s Inn
Cypress Inn and Hyatt Regency Monterey
Haute Enchilada
Hyatt Regency Hotel and Spa
TAHOE
Basecamp Tahoe South
Cedar Glenn Lodge
Coachman Tahoe
Desolation Hotel
Holiday House
Hotel Azure
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Chalet
Sugar Pine Cottage
Tamarack Lodge
WINE COUNTRY
Andaz Napa
Archer Hotel Napa
Hotels that Go the Extra Mile TO ENTICE YOUR PUP Scan the QR code for more petfriendly picks
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
Bungalow 313
Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard
Resort & Mineral Springs
El Bonita Motel
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
H2hotel
Harvest Inn
Hotel Healdsburg
Hotel Petaluma
Hotel Yountville
MacArthur Place
Napa River Inn
North Block Hotel
The Lodge at Sonoma
The Madrona
Upper right: Cypress Inn, Monterey
Right: Coachman, Tahoe
Below: Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Yountville
ESCAPE IN A MOMENT
Retreat to our iconic mountain valley Inn to revel in the peace of Ojai, share magical moments with loved ones, and immerse in 220 acres of nature’s splendor. Come rejuvenate at our serene Spa Ojai and delight your palate with Olivella’s valleyto-table cuisine—both honored with Forbes Five-Star prestige. Then unwind in luxurious guestrooms and private villas inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean. Ojai’s rare spirit invites you to escape in a moment.
We’ve got plenty of horizontal, too.